Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school football. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2022 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence in addition to local and state accolades.
Lamar Sperling of
Archbishop Hoban (Akron) is the 2022 MaxPreps Ohio High School Football Player of the Year. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound senior running back had one of the most prolific rushing seasons in state history, helping the Knights go 14-2 and reach the Division II state championship game.
Sperling carried 417 times for 3,867 yards and a state record 59 total touchdowns (58 rushing, 1 receiving). In the title game loss to Central Catholic (Toledo), he broke the Division II championship game record by rushing for 356 yards while producing all three of Archbishop Hoban's touchdowns.
In six postseason games, Sperling cranked out 1,781 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns.
Sperling's 3,867 rushing yards are the second highest single-season total in state history and tied for the 15th best all-time nationally. Daniel Bangura of Harvest Prep (Canal Winchester) owns the Ohio record with 4,128 yards rushing during his junior season in 2016.
As a junior, Sperling rushed for 2,934 yards and 41 touchdowns. He helped the Knights reach three consecutive Division II state championship games with a title in 2020.
Sperling committed to Buffalo in August but recently landed a SEC offer from Kentucky.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released January 10.
Past MaxPreps Ohio Players of the Year2020 – Corey Kiner, RB, Roger Bacon (Cincinnati)
2021 – Drew Allar, QB, Medina
MaxPreps Ohio POY Lamar Sperling rushed for 6,801 yards and 99 touchdowns during his junior and senior seasons at Archbishop Hoban. (Photo: Jeff Harwell)
